Egg carton



June 24, 1930. BE-Norr 1,7685023 EGG CARTON Filed Oct. 24, 1927 3Sheets-Sheet l June 24, 1930. BENOIT EGG CARTON Filed 001;. 24, 1927 3Sheets-Sheet 2 June 24, 1930.

* l.kt BENOIT EGG CARTON Filed Oct. 24, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 PatentedJune 2,4, 11930 UNITED STATES LoN BENOIT, or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS EGGCARTON REISSUED Application filed October 24, 1927. Serial No. 228,304.

This invention which relates to certain improvements 1n a knock-downcarton for eggs and like commodities is particularlyv concerned withfeatures which facilitate the assembly of the carton components, enhancethe strength and utility thereof, and assure a more serviceableconstruction. These several phases of my invention will be explained atlength in the specification and claims to follow, and are set forth indetail in the accompanying drawings which illustrate certain embodimentsof the invention in the manner following:

Figure 1 is a View in perspective of m improved carton in a size andform which presents four cells or compartments;

Fig. 2 is an end elevation thereof;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary plan view of the carton in knock-down form;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentar detail showing the central slot in one of t ecross walls;

Fig. 5 is a similar View in which is shown in cross section the positionof the blank as it is being interlocked with the cross wall;

Fig. 6 which is a View similar to Fig. 2 shows the carton covers closedand secured in place;

Fig. 7 is a similar view of a carton whose covers are of modifiedconstruction;

Fig. 8 is a side elevation ofa carton having the general coverconstruction of Fig. 7, but equipped with a modified fastening means;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary view in elevation of a cross wall showing theinterlocked blank in cross section, this construction being of amodified type;

Fier. 10 is a detail in section taken on line 4 10H10 of Fig. 9; f

Fig. 11 which isha. view similar to Fig.l 9 shows a further modificationin the interlock of the blank with the .cross wall; 'A 'k 12 isa'deta'il sectional -viewv taken on line 1,2-12 of Fig. :11; l A v y'.Fig.y 13 whichiszafv'iew.similarl to Fig.` 11 shows a stillfurthermodification in theconstruction of interlock for 'thel blankl and cross.folds 2()` and 22, as shown.

Fig. 14 is a detail sectional view taken on line 14-14 of Fig. 13;

Fig. l5 is a fragmentary detail showing one notched edge of a cross wallwhich provides an interlock for the blank which is shown in crosssection;

Fig. 16 is a side elevationof the parts shown in Fig. 15;

Figs. 17 and 18 are fragmentary views Yshowing two further modificationsin the notched interlock construction adjacent one edge of the crosswall; and

Fig. 19'is a transverse section through the carton showing a furthermodified construction in which the covers are interlocked with a crosswall so as to be held thereby in closed position.

The carton herein shown and described is of that type which utilizes ablank A which is formed into bottom, side walls, and covers, and inconjunction therewith a plurality of cross walls B which provide endsand intermediate partitions. The blank is folded upon itself at 20 inits middle region and is also bendable at other points as indicated at21, 22, '23, and 24. The general form of the blank so folded is that ofthe letter W. The folds 22 occupy lowermost positions, the folds 23 areadjacent the upper edge of the carton, `and the folds 24 are adapted tooccupy substantially a center position when the blank is closed over toprovide covers for the carton. The bends 21 are disposedbetween thecenter and bottom The sections of the blank between the fold 20 andbends 21 provide a vertically extending double-wall c. Between the bends21 and 22 lare oblique sections d, between the folds 22 and 23 are othersections e, and between the folds 423 and 24'are cover sections f.Joined to each cover section at thefold 24 is a flap g. In

"additionthe blank is adapted to be further bent, when the cartonisclosed up, along the line 31 which defines between itself and the fold23 one additional section l1, which is substantially verticallydisposed. In themanufacture of av blank having the characteristicsnoted, the material, preferably a cornmercial fibrous product, may bescored or otherwise weakened along the lines where the several folds areto be made, so as to facilitate the operation of bending the blank tothe form described.

The blank is further provided upon opposite sides of its center foldwith two sets of aligned slots 35 which extend between the bends 31 and21. In line with these slots are openings 36 arran ed in a row alongthecenter line of the lank. When the blank is folded upon itself along itscenter line, as shown in Fig. 1, these several openings take on the formof semi-circular notches.

The cross wall components are preferably of the form which is shownIbest in Fig. '2. Each of these walls is of generally rectangularcontour having an upper edge 40and a bottom edge 41, with adjacentrounded corners 42. The side edges or ends of these walls may extendvertically as at 43 from the bottom, and are notched at 44 so that theremaining upper portion 45 of the side edges are inset and slantedloutwardly to a slight extent, if desired. Each of the notches 44 isdefined in part by a lug 46 which proceeds upwardly from the upper endof the edge 43. v

The cross walls are further characterized in each instance by a verticalslot 50 in the center region which extends downwardly from the upperedge 40. This slot is of Vpeculiar formation, in that its opposite edgesextend closely in parallel relation in the lower portion, but in itsupper portion one edge 51 is obliquely inclined to provide an enlargedorflaring entrance for the slot. The opposite slot side is provided witha lug 52 extending partly across the entrance of the'slot. The juncturepoint 53, where the oblique edge 51 meets with the vertical edge ofthe'slot, is substantially tangential to a line X-y drawn between thelug 52 and the lower slot end (see Fig. 4).

The operation of assembling the cross f Walls/B in the. carton blank Amay proceed as follows: The carton is first doubled upon itself alongthe fold line 2O so as to ring the two sets of -slots 35 into register.The cross walls are then inserted into position within these slots thelength of which eX- ceeds the vertical dimension ofthe cross walls, andthe latter are then` shifted lengthwise of the'blank slots so as tobring the double walled section c down against the lower 'end of thecross wall slot 50. During this movement the double walled section c ofthe blank is required to bend, as shown in Fig. 5, due to theobstructing position of the lugs 52. In the final position, the paralleledges of the slots 50 afford support to opposite sides of the doublewalled section c such that it is held a ainst tilting, and the lugs 52project 'into t e recesses 36 to prevent a reverse movement of the blankrelative to the cross walls with L until the latter are hooked into thenotches 44. In this position, the lugs 46 act to retain the blank inaset-up condition with its upper sections f and g opened out to permitinsertion of eggs or other commodities into the cells defined by theblank sections d and e and the intervening cross walls. As these cellsare filled, the obliquely disposed sections d and e will be bowed out inconformity with the contour of the eggs or other commodities so set inplace, with the result that the bottom folds l22 will'be slightly liftedabove the lower cross wall edges 41. The upper portions of the blankconsisting of the sections f and g may thereafter be folded over the topof the carton, the sections f meeting substantially along the centerfold 20 so as to permit insertion of the two flaps g vertically into theslots 50 along one side of the double walls c. This insertion takesplace upon the sides of the slots 50 which are provided with theobliquely disposed edge 51, as appears clearly in Fig. 6.

The carton herein shown and described by way of exempliication is of thedouble row form; that is, its folds are so disposed in relation to thetype of cross walls used as to present two rows of cells. Manifestly thelength of these rows will be determined by the dimensions of the blank,and the number of compartments or cells will depend upon the number ofcross walls which are used. In the construction shown, where the yblankis bent to substantially W formation, two such rows are provided, butthis may be increased by duplicating the folds wherever necessary to addrows to whatever number'is desired. In such instances, the essentialfeatures of the invention will remai'n unchanged both as regards theformation ofthe blank and of the cross walls which co-operate therewith.

It is possible to var i7 the construction in numerous particulars fromthat which has already been described. For example, in Fig. 6, whichshows the covers closed down upon the cartons, a fastening device 60 maybe extended through the flaps g and double walls c at opposite ends ofthe carton. When this is done, the covers will be secured to each other,and also to the carton as well, thus ensuring vagainst loss of articlescontained within the carton.

It will be noted that when the carton is placed upon a table or otherplane surface, it will rest upon the loweredges 41 of the cross walls.As the blank Sections (l and e are required to bow outwardly inconformity with thecontour of articles placed within the cells, thelowermost folds 22 will be lifted slightly. For this reason, the eggs orother commodities are held in a suspended position slightly off of thesurface on which the carton is placed., Adequate protection to the eggsor other contents is thus afforded from the bottom side of the carton.Should it be desired to give-to the upper sides of the eggs or othercontents protection further than that which is imparted by the covers f,resort may be had to the construction shown in Fig. 7. I have shown hereone of the covers so dimensioned as to extend clear across the cartontop, its associated flap g being ex tended down into the notches 44 ofthe cross walls. The section 71. on the opposite blank edge is of suchsize that the fold 23 will be positioned appreciably beyond theproximate fold 24 of the other cover. The section f which is joined tothis longer section h extends over the other cover section from which itis separated by an appreciable distance, and the flap g is adapted to befolded down upon the outerside of the section h connecting with theunder cover f.

Any suitable fastening means such as staples 61 maybe extended througheach flap g and the proximate section so as to lock the double covers inthe position shown.

By reason of this construction I provide anv 63 in the other component,so as to provide a detachable 'form of fastening.

In Figs. 9 and 10, I have suggested a slightly altered form of interlockbetween the blank and the cross wall. This is accomplished by providingadditional slots 65 in the cross walls in line with the sections (Z ofthe blank.` Extending into the slots 35 of the blank are lugs 66 adaptedfor insertion through the slots 65 of the cross walls when the latterare assembled in position within the blank. By this means the crosswalls are held in place by -means supplementary to the lugs 52 whichproject over the double walls of the blank.

Figs. 11 and 12 suggest a construction wherein the notches 36 along lthecenter fold i portion 71 of the blank material whichoverlies the lugs 52when the cross walls are inserted in place.

' In the construction set forth in Figs. 13 and 14, the cross walls andblank may be interlocked the same as the ones first described. Inaddition, however, I may provide each cross wall with a lug 72 extendinginto its slot 50 adapted to lie within a slot 73 formed in the doubledwall section c of the blank when the carton components are assembled.tion two sets of interlocks are utilized, each independent of the other,although mutually supplementary.

It is possible also to modify in various ways the construction of thenotches which are provided in the ends or side edges of the cross wallsas suggested, for example, in Figs. 15 to 18 inclusive. In the first `ofthese figures, the notch 44 is formed adjacent a lug 75 having a headwith an overhanging shoulder 76 adapted for insertion into a slot 77which is formed in the blank section h adjacent one end of the slot 35,but removed therefrom. Preferably the slot 77 is wider than the slot 35to facilitate in.- sertion of the shoulder 76. When the blank and crosswalls are assembled, the section L is bent into position, so that theblank portion 78 which lies between the two slots 77 and 35 may occupy aposition below the an voverhanging lug 8() projecting from thev By thisconstruc-v side edge of the cross wall. Such a lug is adapted to liewithin the slot 77\in the blank, when made according to the showing ofFig.I 15, the blank portion 78 being disposed within the notch and beingconfined therein by a lug 81.

A combination of the ideas set forth in Figs. 15 and 17 is suggested inFig. 18 wherein the cross wall is provided vwith a lug 82 projectinginto the notch 44 yfor insertion through the slot 77 in the blank. Inaddition, a lug 83 extends upwardly past the lug 82 and slightlyinwardly so as to require a flexing of the blank -section 7L, before thelatter can be interlocked with the cross wall.

The manner in which the carbon covers are securedin place may follow theshowing of Fig. 6, or, with slight modification, be

constructed asper Fig. 19. In this latter .f/example, the slot 50 in itslower portion is provided with an undercut notch 85 wherein may bereceived the turned edges 86 of 5 the two cover aps g. These` turnededges tend to spring outwardly and after being forced into positionwithin the notch will resist opening movement of the covers. This is asimple form of self-locking cover 13 construction which may be foundyadvantageous for certain purposes.

The features of my invention, as set out in the preceding description,tend to a more certain and secure assembly of the carton 15 components.Without the provision'of locking means by which to prevent accidentaldisplacement of the cross walls from the blank, the use of the presentcarton will be attended with certain disadvantages. rllhis tendency ofthe blank to separate from the cross .walls is particularly noticeablebefore the covers are closed down. During the operation of filling thecarton, the upper portions of the blank will be extended outwardlysomewhat, as `illustrated in Fig. l, in which position it is importantthat the blank should remain engaged with the side edges of the crosswalls. By the notch constructions which I have shown and described anyseparation of the blank from the cross Walls at these points iseffectively prevented.

I claim: l. An egg holder in which is comprised a blank having pluralsets of aligned slots, the blank being folded upon itself along a linebetween two sets of slots, and a plurality of cross walls 'each having aslot proceeding inwardly from one edge adapted for insertion through theslots of the blank, each 40 cross wall being provided with meanspartially obstructing the entrance to its own slot adapted to overlie anedge of the blank l whereby to retain the cross walls in interllockedrelation therewith, substantially as described.

2. An egg holder in which is comprised a blank having two sets ofaligned slots, the

blank bein folded upon itself between the two sets o slots and havingnotches in its 5G folded edge in line with the slots, and a plurality ofcross walls each provided with a slot extending inwardly from one edgeadapted for insertion within the slots of the blank, each cross wallhaving means partially obstructing theentrance to its own slot adaptedto .lie within the notch adjacent the folded edge of theA blank when thecross walls are moved `to'inal position relative to the blank,substantially as described.

3. vA holder in which is comprised a blank folded upon itself to providedoubleA walls and provided further with two sets of slots on-oppositesidesof the fold, and across wall adapted for insertion within the slotsC5 of the blank,'ea`ch cross Wall being provided with a slot extendinginwardly from an edge which is disposed adjacent the folded edge of theblank, the entrance to the slot in the c 4. A holder in which iscomprised a blank folded upon itself to present double walls andprovided with two sets of slots, there being a cut through the two wallsof the blankadjacent the fold and in line with each pair of slots, anda. plurality of cross walls adapted for insertion within the slots ofthe blank, each cross wall having aL slot extending inwardlyfrom oneedge thereof and provided with means partially obstructing the entranceto said slot, each cross wall, when moved to a final position in theblank, being adapted to present its obstructions through the cut in thedouble walls of the blank whereby to interlock the cross wallstherewith, substantially as described.

5. In an'eggholder, the combination of a blank which is folded uponitself and provided on opposite sides of the fold with plural sets ofaligned slots, and a plurality of slotted cross walls adapted forinsertion -within the slots of the blank for interlocking therewith,there being formed in opposite edges of the crossV walls notches eachhaving means projecting thereinto, and the blank being foldable forengagement within vsaid notches, the projecting means co-acting with theblank to lock the same in said notches, substantially as described.

6. In a holder, the combination of a folded blank having aligned sets ofslots, and a plu-fA rality of slotted cross walls adapted for in-Lsertion within said' slots for interlocking with the blank, there beingnotches formed in opposite edges of the cross lwalls together' withprojecting means partially obstructing the entrance to said notches, theblank being further provided with openings into which the saidprojecting means may enter, the blank being adapted for co-operationwith said notches whereby to bejinterlocked therewithin, substantiall asdescribed.

7; A holder in w ich iscomprised a foldable -blank having slots therein,a slotted cross wall insertable within the slots of the blank forinterlocking therewith, one sidek of the blank being foldable around-oneend ofv the Vcross wall and across the top ed e thereof adjacentthereto, and the other si e-of the I blank being foldable aroundl theopposite end of the cross wall across the top thereof remote therefromand down upon the cross wall end first named, the two portions of theblank so extended across the top of the cross wall being spaced fromeach other, and

I so extended over the cross walls, substantially as described.

9. In a holder, a blank folded uponitself to provide double walls havingregistering slots, there being a notch in the fold in lino with theslots, and a cross wall insertable through the slots of the blank, thecross wall being provided with a slot extending in-' wardly from oneedge thereof for receiving the double walls of the blank, the edges ofthe cross .wall vslot being closely parallel throughout their innerportion whereby to support the blank laterally or opposite sides, and inthe outer slot portion one of said edgesbeing inclined away from theother whereon is formed a lug projecting into the widened slot entranceaffording a partial obstruction at such'point, the blank being movableinto the slot past such obstruction only by a bending of its doublewalls which in final positionare supported by the parallel edges of theslot, the lug being then disposed within the notch adjacent the blankfold whereby to interlock the blank and cross wall, substantiallyasdescribed.

10. A holder comprising a slotted folded blank and a plurality of crosswalls insertable through the slots in said blank, said cross wallshaving means engaging the end of a slot in said blank whereby to supportsaidl blank thereon, one of said members being additionally slotted andthev other of said members having means -extending transversely throughsaid s'econdslots and cooperating with said first me'ntioned means lforeffecting an interlocking of the cross walls and blankv for bly of the(same:

l1. A. holder comprisin preventing disassema blank folded Ain thegeneral form of t e letter W with oppositely inclined slotted walls, aplurality 'of cross walls insertable through the slots in said inclinedwalls and having means engaging the end of a slot in said blank wherebyto support said blank thereon, one of said members being additionallyslotted and the other of said members having means extendingtransversely through said second slots and cooperating with said firstmentioned means for effecting an interlocking of the cross walls andblank for preventing disassembly of the same. v

12. A' holder in which is comprised a blank bent in the general form of'a letter W with oppositely inclined slotted bottom sections meeting atan elevated point centrally of the cartonya plurality of cross wallshaving their lower portions inserted through the slotted bottom sectionsof the blank and provided with edge notches for engaging therewith tosupport the bottom sections, one of said members being additionallyslotted and the other of said members having means extendingtransversely through said second slots and cooperating with said firstmentioned means for effecting an interlocking of the cross walls andblank for preventing disassembly of the same.

13. An egg holder comprising a longitudinally creased and bent blankprovided with a longitudinal series of transverse slots alignedtransversely in groups of at least three slots, and a plurality of crosswalls, each cross wall cooperating with a group of slots byv means oftwo upwardly facing notches formed on the edge thereof for supportingthe blank thereon by engagement with two of said slots, said cross wallsbeing formed to provide edge meansy extending transversely through thethird slot of each group and cooperating with said other engaged slotsand notches to secure said wrapper and each respective cross wallagainst relative movement. i

14. In a collapsible egg holder, foldable trough members arranged sideby side and having oppositely inclined slotted bottom sections meeting'in a ridge centrally of the holder, a plurality of cross walls eachhaving a plurality of slots'k adapted for insertion through the slots ofthe trough members, and each cross wall being further provided withlaterally extending means partially obstructing the entrance to each ofsaid slots adapted to interlock respectively LEON BENOIT.

trough members.

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